When you're really hungry, do you like to sink your teeth into a big, juicy cheeseburger? How about adding a couple of slices of bacon and a side of cheese fries? If that sounds delicious to you, you're not alone. Unfortunately, those items are high in taste and high in something else, too. What are we talking about? Cholesterol!

From time to time, you've probably heard adults talking about foods that are high in cholesterol. You may have even heard friends and family members talking about having high cholesterol and needing to take medicine for it. Such a diagnosis of high cholesterol usually comes about after a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream.

Cholesterol is actually something your body needs. Although it's present in many of the foods you eat, your liver produces all the cholesterol you need on a daily basis. It's a waxy substance your body uses to make vitamin D and certain hormones, as well as to build cell walls and produce certain bile salts used to digest fats.

Cholesterol in your body can't travel alone through your bloodstream. It must combine with certain proteins that help it reach the different areas of the body where it's needed. Cholesterol, which is a lipid or a fat, combines with a protein to make a substance called a lipoprotein.

Your body contains two primary types of lipoproteins: high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Many people refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad cholesterol," while HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good cholesterol." These terms stem from the different effects they have on your body.

HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol," acts in a different way. It removes cholesterol from the blood vessels and returns it to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body. Given this important function, it's easy to see why doctors want to see higher levels of HDL or “good" cholesterol in your bloodstream.

High cholesterol levels can be causes by a variety of factors. Heredity may play a role. High cholesterol levels have also been linked to being older and overweight. Of course, a primary factor is also diet. If you eat foods high in cholesterol, your overall cholesterol levels are likely to be higher.

Cholesterol is found in foods from animal sources. For example, eggs, meats, and dairy products all tend to be high in cholesterol. On the other hand, vegetables, fruits, and grains are usually cholesterol-free.

If you find that you have high cholesterol, changing your diet to eat foods lower in cholesterol is recommended. A doctor might also prescribe a special medication. You'll also likely be advised to exercise more, since physical activity has been shown to increase levels of HDL or “good" cholesterol.

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Try It Out

Did you learn some new things about cholesterol today? Learn even more when you check out the following activities with a friend or family member:

Have you ever had your cholesterol tested? Of course, most kids don't worry too much about their cholesterol levels, but it's never too early to take an interest in your health. Ask an adult friend or family member if it would be possible to get your annual physical examination sometime soon. During a physical, your doctor will give you an overall check-up to help make sure there aren't any serious health issues that need to be addressed right now. As part of a physical, your doctor might want to do some basic tests, including testing your cholesterol levels. If you have a chance to get a physical, go for it! Pay attention to what the doctor tells you and make changes now that could prevent serious problems down the road!

Do you know whether you or a friend or family member is at high risk for a heart attack? Find out! Jump online and complete the Simple Heart Test to learn about whether you have certain habits that may contribute to an increased risk of heart problems in the future. Have a friend or family member take the test, too, and compare results when you're finished. It's never too early to start thinking heart healthy!

Are you trying to eat healthier? Even if your cholesterol is fine, you may have a friend or family member who has high cholesterol. Your eating choices can help your friends and family members control their cholesterol. If you need some help figuring out what kinds of foods are healthy, check out Cholesterol-Friendly Meals Even a Kid Would Love for some ideas!